Underneath

Literally taken, underneath means the part or side below or under. Literally seen, the series “underneath” depicts two bodies from the waist below, in underwear. But those two bodies are more than just two bodies. It is a couple, living in separation. And they reveal what lies beneath that separation: conglomerate of contradicting feelings and needs. In one moment it is an affection, in another it is aggression. This contradiction is sometimes present in one single image. Simultaneous need for nearness and distance. It is not easy to distinguish whether an embrace is protecting or strangling. Or both. Or if a grasping movement of a hand is imploring “hold me” or contemptuous “get away”. We might not know it. But we feel it.

Underneath

und-der-neath : 1. The part or side below or under.

2. Under the power or control of.

Literally taken, underneath means the part or side below or under. Literally seen, the series “underneath” depicts two bodies from the waist below, in underwear. But those two bodies are more than just two bodies. It is a couple, living in separation. And they reveal what lies beneath that separation: conglomerate of contradicting feelings and needs. In one moment it is an affection, in another it is aggression. This contradiction is sometimes present in one single image. Simultaneous need for nearness and distance. It is not easy to distinguish whether an embrace is protecting or strangling. Or both. Or if a grasping movement of a hand is imploring “hold me” or contemptuous “get away”. We might not know it. But we feel it.